ARTS + ENTERTAINMENT
KENT ARTIST PROFILE
SALLY SEAL
THROUGH EXPRESSIVE, COLOURFUL PAINTINGS THAT BEAUTIFULLY CAPTURE THE WONDERS OF NATURE, SALLY SEAL SHOWCASES HER EXCEPTIONAL EYE FOR DEPICTING IMMERSIVE MOVEMENT AND THE LOCAL LANDSCAPES THAT HAVE SHAPED HER AS AN ARTIST.
Sally, please tell us about your artistic journey so far. My earliest inspiration was my poppa’ s sketchbook. He died when I was four, so I have very few memories of him but I was given one of his sketchbooks, which I still treasure today. He drew old movie stars and as a child I would quietly pore over those pages, captivated. Something sparked in me very early on, then I had a painting selected to appear in a newspaper when I was seven- that early encouragement planted a seed that never really left.
After school, I studied at the Kent Institute of Art & Design in Maidstone, but I was also a keen writer and life gently nudged me in that direction. I followed a path in media and communications, and didn’ t pick up a paintbrush for nearly 20 years. Art found its way back to me gradually, though, and I began painting again around the kitchen table, rediscovering that familiar energy and sense of flow. In 2018, I sold my first painting- a moment that felt both surreal and affirming. Since then, things have gathered momentum. I now work in a dedicated art studio at home in the village of Horsmonden, developing a distinctive, expressive style that explores colour, movement and vitality. My work is intuitive and energetic; designed to immerse the viewer in the same sense of aliveness I feel while creating it.
Your work is often inspired by nature and striking landscapes; is there a Kentish spot that particularly sparks your creativity? We are really spoiled here in Kent. Walking is a huge part of my creative process- it’ s
often where ideas form. I’ m especially drawn to flowers, so anywhere filled with bluebells, foxgloves or poppies immediately sets my imagination alight. Horsmonden offers beautiful walks in every direction. National Trust’ s Sprivers Woodland is a peaceful escape. I also love walking to neighbouring villages- my personal favourite route is towards Brenchley, with the promise of a glass of wine at the Halfway House. I grew up in Lamberhurst, so places like Scotney Castle and Bewl Water are woven into my childhood memories. I’ ve painted both and more recently Marshall’ s Lake at Bedgebury Forest, too. These landscapes aren’ t just scenery to me; they carry nostalgia, atmosphere and emotional connection, which I try to translate in colour and movement on the canvas.
Can you talk us through your creative process, from conception to finished artwork? Every painting begins with a spark- a moment of energy triggered by light, colour, memory or place. Once that spark catches, I feel a physical sense of momentum that I’ m eager to transfer onto canvas. I apply paint thickly using a spatula, pour it directly onto the canvas or even use my fingertips. It’ s important to me that the surface holds energy and movement. Later, I refine areas with brushwork, adding finer details and always a few spontaneous splashes to complete the piece. When the creativity is flowing, I completely lose myself. Hours can pass without me noticing. There’ s a sense of immersion- almost like stepping into the painting itself- and I hope that same immersive feeling reaches the viewer.
Do you have a favourite piece? What makes it stand out for you? I’ m often asked this, and the honest answer is that my favourite pieces are the ones that resonate deeply with the person who buys them. Seeing someone connect with a painting is incredibly rewarding- especially with commissions, where a piece often represents a cherished memory or special place. At home, I’ ve kept a painting of apples, which feels fitting as we’ re surrounded by orchards in Horsmonden.
If I were painting purely for myself, it would probably be of Pembrokeshire in Wales, where I spent my childhood summers. Those coastlines hold a special place in my heart. That said, I rarely have time to paint just for myself- which I take as a good sign!
What’ s next for you in 2026? In June I’ ll be joining Art at the Winery as a guest exhibitor for Art in June at Mereworth Wines( 5- 21 June). It’ s a wonderful opportunity to showcase my art alongside six other artists in the beautiful Kent Downs setting. Visitors can visit the exhibition as part of the wider winery experience, including weekend live music, wine tours, and the bar and café. I’ m exploring several other exhibiting opportunities throughout the year and I’ m excited about continuing to evolve my practice- deepening the narrative within my work while staying true to its expressive energy and sharing it with new audiences.
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